Imphal: Just days ahead of the festival of lights, the district magistrate of Bishnupur in Manipur on Sunday banned the sale and use of firecrackers across its jurisdiction with immediate effect and until further orders.
In an order, District Magistrate Ranjan Yumnam stated that there is an apprehension of breach of peace and public tranquility if the sale and use of crackers during the ensuing Diwali is not checked.
The order said the decision was taken in view of the prevailing armed insurgency in the state and the possibility of misuse of crackers or works by various vested interests with a view to cause annoyance or panic or confusion amongst the public, or even to divert security forces as a result of such mischief with a view to cause injury or loss of lives and property elsewhere.
Since the Diwali festival falls on November 4, the order stated that it isn’t possible to identify all persons who are likely to cause such mischief or misuse of crackers or fireworks within the short time available. Therefore, the administration has decided to consider it an emergency and a fit case for taking up proceedings under Section 144 Cr.Pc 1973.
The district magistrate also stated that the administration has not issued temporary licence for possession and sale of crackers and fireworks.
Any case of possession and sale of such items are in violation of the Explosives Act, 1884, and action as per law will be taken against such violators, it warned.
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